Grassroots Football: Top to bottom

‘I learnt all about life with a ball at my feet.’ The words of Brazilian legend Ronaldinho. A mantra to live by, but what if you don’t get the opportunity to learn about life in this way?

Football is for everyone. That is what is echoed throughout the football community. From jumpers for goalposts to lifting the iconic World Cup trophy, the most famous game on the planet should be easily accessable for all.

But what if it isn't? To some, funding is a real issue in the world of non-professional football. How much is actually being done to ensure that non-league footballers can continue to play the game? Also, what is being doing to encourage children to express interest in the sport?

KEY FACTS

The FA has committed to spending £260m on the grassroots game, with facilities being one of the key areas of focus.

The FA has committed £48m to improving facilities directly through its funding of the Football Foundation as well as investment in 100 new turf pitches and improvements to a further 2000 as part of The FA’s Pitch Improvement Plan.

The FA found that only one in five coaches polled felt they were being supported in their development.